12 World Cup cities: Salvador

12 cities in Brazil ready for their World Cup moment

Salvador

Salvador da Bahia (usually referred to simply as Salvador) is the largest metropolis in northeastern Brazil. One of the oldest cities in the Americas, it was settled by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Salvador has held onto its past, and large parts of the city have a pronounced “old town” feel. The overall vibe of this northeastern metropolis is much different from those cities in the more-cosmopolitan south. Salvador is the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture, and African influence is still seen in the music, food, and even the martial arts of Salvador. The newly built Arena Fonte Nova will host six games during the World Cup.